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EOI Space is reshaping global monitoring by developing capabilities in VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit), which is significantly closer to Earth than traditional orbits. By positioning satellites in VLEO, EOI facilitates ultra-high-resolution imaging with exceptional detail. The company’s “Stingray” constellation is designed to provide rapid, actionable data for both commercial and defense sectors.
As VLEO garners increasing investment for commercial and scientific applications, projections indicate that global investment in VLEO satellites could reach $220 billion by 2027. In discussions with Joshua Cole and Kris Thomas from EOI, insights were gained regarding their mission, the challenges associated with VLEO, and how PLM supports their complex data requirements and ambitious Earth imaging objectives.
What is VLEO?
VLEO operates below 450 kilometers above Earth, positioning it closer than traditional Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and making it particularly suitable for high-resolution imaging and rapid data refresh rates. “In VLEO, we’re essentially below the International Space Station,” explains Joshua. “Flying low allows us to utilize smaller, more cost-effective optics for higher resolution imagery, providing us with a distinctive advantage in imaging quality.”
VLEO presents considerable benefits for real-time applications. EOIs’ planned 60-satellite constellation in VLEO can produce sharper images and cover regions more frequently by orbiting closer to Earth and flying a large swarm of lower-cost satellites, thereby facilitating data updates at a much faster rate than those from higher orbits. This near-real-time data availability is essential for applications requiring swift situational awareness, such as natural disaster monitoring, environmental management, and rapid-response initiatives.
How EOI Space Will Operate in VLEO
EOI Space was inspired by VLEO’s potential when its founders saw it as the perfect orbit to scale their propulsion technology. By leveraging high-voltage applications and achieving consistent thrust at precise cycles, they designed satellites capable of sustaining a five-year orbit at 250 kilometers. “With advancements in materials and electric propulsion, commercial operations in VLEO are now possible, a feat previously limited to expensive, short-duration programs due to complexity,” shares Joshua.
With its planned 60-satellite constellation, EOI will deliver rapid data across the insurance, defense, and disaster response sectors. “With just one satellite, we can cover large swaths of the Earth,” Joshua adds, noting that the full constellation will enable imaging of a point every eight minutes at various angles, which is crucial during natural disasters.
EOI’s satellites can achieve imagery quality previously limited to aerial surveillance. “We’re able to deliver ‘aerial-level’ resolution from space, comparable to the high resolution of a Maxar satellite,” Joshua explains. The VLEO orbit will allow EOI to revisit thousands of locations daily—a feat yet to be achieved in commercial satellite imaging.
Overcoming VLEO Challenges
Operating in VLEO brings unique challenges, including high levels of atomic oxygen that can degrade standard satellite materials. “The atomic oxygen levels in VLEO could destroy typical satellite structures quickly,” Kris explains. “We’ve engineered specialized materials and designs to withstand that exposure.”
EOI’s electric propulsion system is critical for maintaining stability in VLEO’s high-drag environment with minimal fuel. Designed to last at least five years at 250 km, this propulsion technology, tested with the U.S. Air Force, ensures operational stability. “By applying higher voltage and consistent thrust, we’re able to achieve a five-year lifespan for each vehicle,” says Joshua.
EOI also integrated edge computing to enable on-board data processing, significantly reducing latency. “On-board processing is a game-changer,” says Joshua. “It allows us to deliver critical data in near real-time, which is especially crucial for industries that depend on timely insights.”
Why EOI Space Needed Duro
EOI’s vendors lacked the flexibility for their rapid development cycles, leading to data management and scaling inefficiencies. The system’s rigid structure and complex interface created a steep learning curve, slowing project timelines and preventing quick onboarding.
The EOI team needed a flexible PLM solution to unify engineering data and meet ITAR standards. “Managing our data across SolidWorks, Altium, and other platforms isn’t simple,” says Kris. “Duro’s ability to handle these integrations in the cloud, especially with ITAR compliance, was a huge draw for us.”
Previous vendors could not consolidate all data and integrations, often requiring costly on-premises servers—something EOI wanted to avoid. “They don’t unify everything, and often they require an on-prem solution with physical servers, which adds not just costs but significant setup effort,” explains Kris.
How Duro is Helping EOI to Scale
Duro provides EOI with a streamlined, flexible solution, consolidating all engineering data into a single source of truth to meet export control standards. “Having a PLM system designed for aerospace and export control is a huge benefit,” Kris shares. “The ease of getting up and running with Duro has been impressive, especially compared to other platforms we’ve tried.”
By unifying design data in Duro PDM One, EOI’s engineers can manage data consistently and efficiently. This approach reduces operational redundancies, cuts costs, and enhances production timelines. “Duro presents a unified solution that handles not only data files but also PLM and lifecycle information,” Kris explains. “It’s super intriguing, and I think plenty of companies could benefit from working with Duro.”
Duro’s integration with NetSuite streamlines data consistency across departments, with information accessible to engineering and finance teams. “The NetSuite integration to consolidate data makes our CFO very happy, which makes us happy,” Joshua notes. This data management approach positions EOI for faster, more efficient workflows and supports their path to satellite launches over the coming years.
What’s Next for EOI Space?
After successful flight propulsion testing, EOI will launch its first satellite in early 2026, with plans to scale up production to deploy 12 satellites annually. “We’re setting milestones to achieve full constellation deployment by 2032,” shares Joshua. “Our Stingray constellation will deliver high-frequency, high-resolution coverage, giving clients near-real-time data to support swift decision-making.”
EOI wants to establish VLEO as an essential orbit for high-resolution, high-frequency data applications. “We want to be a leader in VLEO-based imaging, where we can redefine expectations for satellite data frequency and clarity,” says Joshua.
With Duro operating its tech stack, EOI Space is equipped to realize its near- and long-term satellite imaging goals, providing customers with the clarity, speed, and depth required for informed decision-making and next-generation global monitoring. Watch this orbit.
